Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Rinse them under cold water, then pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Trim off the tough stem at the bottom and remove any yellowed or loose outer leaves. For larger sprouts, slice them in half from top to bottom; leave smaller ones whole.

Season the sprouts: Place the trimmed and dried sprouts in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to toss everything together until each sprout is lightly coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until hot. For best results, preheating is essential for achieving that initial blast of hot air to start the crisping process.

Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece to allow for even hot air circulation. Do not overcrowd.

Cook for 8 minutes, then pause the air fryer, shake the basket to redistribute the sprouts, and return to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are dark, crispy, and slightly charred, and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. Transfer to a serving bowl, and optional: drizzle with honey or maple syrup and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.